Town Commissioners Minutes — 2020-08-26

QUEENSTOWN COMMISSIONERS

AUGUST 26,2O2O

PRESENT: President Thomas Willis,Ir., Commissioner Al Hardee, Commissioner Holger Schuster, Town Clerk Aaron Horney, Town Manager Amy Moore, Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan.

PUBLIC HEARING CALLED TO ORDERAT 5:48PM

oRDINANCE 20-03 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSTOWN TO AMEND THE TOWN',S WATER AND SEWER CAPITAL ALLOCATION FEES FOR EACH RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNIT AND NON-

RESIDENTIAL USES

There were no public comments regarding the proposed ordinance. Pres. Willis motion to adiourn the hearing at 5:56 pm. Motion second by Commissioner Hardee. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 nay

REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:OOPM

GUESTS:

o Sara Aikins - Upper Queen Anne Youth Association - Ms. Aikins did not attend meeting but had requested use of the Queenstown Park field for use by a few teams for football games/practice. Ms. Moore Informed Shore Christian Fellowship not open to their lot being used for overflow parking at this time. Ms. Aikins' request was for several teams - Commissioners opted not to allow the use as multiple participants from out

of area may cause challenges with limited parking at the park along with limited info regarding frequency of use, COVID-l9 precautions, etc. A similar request was submitted by Linda Scearce of Queenstown for one team to practice 1-2 times a week, Commissioners' Willis and Schuster approve of one team using the field for practice. Commissioner Hardee expressed concern with any groups using the field due to parking

concerns. This request was granted as long as parking issues were taken into consideration by Ms. Scearce and appropriate COvIo -19 precautions were in place while using the field.

o Di Quynn-Reno - Queenstown Yard Sale - Questioning whether to have Town yard sale or not due to COVID-l9 concerns. Commissioners Willis and Hardee agree better to cancel as other Town events have been cancelled. Ms. Quynn-Reno will cancel October sale and look at possibility of rescheduling in Spring 2021.

Will keep us updated.

PUBLICWORKS: AmyMoore o Both membrane trains at plant had a clean in place performed - first CIP done since new membranes installed. CIP done based on permeability, not necessarily on a set schedule.

o Bad recycle pump was identified, bad VFD - electrician repaired.

o Check valve for return activated sludge pump bad - will be replaced.

o Belt press run last week, all equipment greased, blowers serviced, air conditioning unit in upper electronic room needs repair - parts ordered - repairs scheduled 9/10. Have requested contractor give quote on scheduled maintenance of units at plant and town office. Will give to Commissioners once received.

o Steve Roberson finishing installing brackets on piping at plant for water hammer issue - still having issue - tooking into device to slow pump starting/stopping to eliminate water hammer and extend life of pumps.

Will get cost estimate.

.

Town truck having snowplow hitch mounted to replace damaged one.

PLANNING: Matt Reno o County had hearing on Wheatland's master w/s plan - Mr. Reno there representing Planning Commission support. Some opposition from residents of Hickory Ridge. Suggests residents express to County their support for approval of recommendation.

o Mr. Reno and Chris Ritch marked out parking at boat landing. Marked 5 truck/trailer spots and 4 vehicle spots. Chris will work on installing parking stops in spaces. Suggests looking into asphalt millings to place new surface over parking areas reducing mud/getting stuck, etc.

FINANCE COMMITTEE: Amy Moore o Auditing has begun - Ms. Moore and Mr. Horney working on uploading relevant documents to auditors.

TOWN CLERK-TREASURER: Aaron Horney Treasurer's R.eport - r Checking:

General Fund $93,531.38 r Water/Sewer Fund Checking: $99,t22.S0 Minutes - .

Iuly 22, ZOZO - Commissioner Hardee motion to accept as written. Pres. Willis second. VOTE: 3 aye - O nay.

Correspondence/Other - .

Football park requests previously discussed.

.

New slide for Queenstown Park playground ordered - arriving mid-september.

r MML Fall Conference will be October 8-9 - will be virtual - Mr. Horney and Ms. Moore will be taking some courses offered at the conference.

TOWN MANAGER: Amy Moore Stormwater pond at Queenstown Village flooded over to nearby residents' yards during recent hurricane. Received letter from several residents voicing concerns about flooding and pond maintenance. Pond can be overwhelmed during extremely heavy rains but has been over a year since maintenance was done at pond. Contacted fohn English who then did some brush clearing of pond and

ditches. Ditch in neighboring field needs clearing but will need to wait until crops are done to access.

Letter to residents advising of situation and plan. Will then have Chris Ritch periodically maintain ditches and pond and have Mr. English clear area on yearly basis. Area currently looks good.

Comments raised by Matt & Di Reno at last meeting regarding job descriptions adopted for Town Clerk and Manager. Why need for resolutions and comments on some wording. New resolutions for descriptions have been drafted taking some comments into consideration, there was a suggestion of listing qualifications, suggestion not included in new draft resolutions. Ms. Ryan stated reason for qualifications not being included in descriptions is doing so would limit future applicants if

qualifications desired changed in future. Qualifications can be stated in any advertisements for positions offered. Descriptions were done by resolutions due to requirements of the Town Charter. The draft resolutions were presented to the Commissioners for adoption.

President Willis motion to adopt Resolution 20-104 - A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN TO ADOPT THE TOWN MANAGER IOB DESCRIPTION. Motion second by Commissioner Schuster. VOTE:3 aye - O nay.

President Willis motion to adopt Resolution 2O-1O5 - A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN TO ADOPT THE TOWN CLERK/TREASURER IOB DESCRIPTION. Motion second by Commissioner Schuster. VOTE:3 aye - O nay.

Commissioner Hardee contacted Mike Simonson of DNR Boat Advisory Committee regarding issues of speeding in Queenstown Creek - can signs be erected? Was advised to contact DNR Police and file any complaints of speeding, etc. Town would need to file request with Boat Advisory Committee for "No Wake" signs in the creek - they would then investigate and make recommendation on designating no wake zones. Mr. Hardee made such request via email - waiting to hear back.

.

Received notification of approval for $250,000 DNR grant to replace/repair bulkhead/decking and parking/signing improvements at both town docks. Met with Bob Rauch to look at what is needed - will prepare a scope of work for improvements and repairs. Will then put work out to bid. Contact at DNR stated Town could combine dredge work together with bulkhead work when putting out to bid. Mr. Reno asked if water spigots could be added to end of "T" area at Znd Ave. dock - only water access on other end

of dock now. Shouldn't be an issue adding to work.

.

Dredging permit getting close. MDE asked for Water Quality Certification Application - has been sent to DNR. Received notice from Board of Public Works - proposed dredging received favorable recommendation from MDE Tidal Wetlands Division. BPW will consider recommendation at upcoming meeting. License is $1,000. Already has been paid - reimbursable through grant funding.

.

Grant funding available through DNR for removal of abandoned boats, debris, etc. During dock inspections, noticed debris and logs building up in area. Bob Rauch suggested contacting George Mayer, Grants Manager for Federalsburg. Has received this grant for his town for last 12 years. Mr. Mayer and his contractor inspected dock areas to estimate cost of yearly maintenance for debris removal.

Contractor will give us a price for estimating grant funding needs. Would put any work needed out to bid.

.

Submitted grant application Planning Commission prepared for boardwalk proiect to liaison for County Community Parks and Playgrounds program. Cost of project with contingencies is $205,000.

.

Nikki Williams request possible leasing of upstairs office space in Town Office for her speech therapy tutoring practice. Not sure of frequency needed yet. would be no more than 5 people occupying space at any time. Commissioners suggest looking at downstairs instead for the use as it is mostly unused space, would be open to reviewing proposal once received.

OLD BUSINESS:

I & I Proiect - Smoke testing determined 38 cleanouts need caps replaced, approx. 1O laterals need replacing.

Location of cleanouts determine responsibility of cost to replace. If in right-of-way - town responsible, if not

- property owner responsible. Laterals are property owner responsibility. Steve Roberson estimated cost to

replace cleanout caps is $t9S each. Estimated costs for lateral work is minimum $800-$1,000 each.

Commissioner Hardee suggests give property owners 50-day notice to have lateral repairs done by their contractor or town can make repairs and have cost billed to them over several months.

Water Tower & Infrastructure Proiect - Interim Financing - Ms. Moore still working on. Waiting for Dudley land purchase to be resolved. Should be able to fihalize by next meeting once Dudley issue settled.

Dudley Property - Acceptance of Terms - Ms. Ryan discussed terms with Mr. Dudley. Have finalized purchase agreement that provides for purchase of 0.57 acres on Del Rhodes Ave. for $ZS,OOO. Contingent on if town passing ordinance authorizing purchase of property within 45 days. Agreement terminates ordinance not passed. Commissioners have copy of draft ordinance for introduction. A verbal agreement

with a farmer exists for using the land for crops. Looking at potential costs of damages to crops present on property due to testing needed to be conducted. Costs estimated around $50. Ms. Ryan suggests town could enter into agreement now due to ordinance contingency - if want to exit agreement later - simply do not pass required ordinance. Could also wait for more info and enter agreement when approving ordinance.

President Willis motion to introduce ORDINANCE 20-05 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSTOWN TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF 0.67 ACRES OF LAND OWNED BY F. WICK DUDLEY, PETER I. DUDLEY AND CLAY D. EVNAS, TAX MAP 51H, GRID 21, PARCEL 40 FIFTH ELECTION DISTRICT, QUEEN ANNE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND FOR THE PLACEMENT OF A WATER TOWER TO SERVICE THE RESIDENTS OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSTOWN AND TO AUTHORIZE THE PRESIDENT OF THE

CoMMISSTONERS OF QUEENSTOWN TO EXECUTE SUCH DEEDS AND PLI\TS AS ARE NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE SALE Commissioner Hardee second. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 nay. Public hearing will be held in September.

Water/Sewer Connection Fees - ORDINANCE 20-03 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSTOWN TO AMEND THE TOWN'S WATER AND SEWER CAPITAL ALLOCATION FEES FOR EACH RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNIT AND NON-RESIDENTIAL USES - President Willis motion to adopt Ordinance 20-03.

Commissioner Schuster second. VOTE: 3 aye - 0 nay.

Wheatland's Proiect - Petition for Planned Development - Waterman Family Limited Partnership - County had hearing on Wheatland's master w/s plan - Mr. Reno there representing Planning Commission support. Ms. Ryan also attended - most comments from Hickory Ridge residents stating traffic and wildlife concerns. Ms. Ryan stated Town was looking for favorable recommendation. Town has processes to insure

no impact on those concerns. County decided to keep public comment open for two weeks. Hopefully will make decision at next meeting.

o Speeding on Main Street - Ms. Moore talked with postmaster to find name of contractor of delivery box truck observed speeding in town. Postmaster suggested could also be Amazon or Fed-Ex truck if not marked as US Mail. Postmaster will get info on their mail delivery truck - will speak to driver himself - waiting to hear back. Commissioner Hardee suggests documenting arrival times of truck and provide to Sheriffs Dept.

Ms. Quynn-Reno stated truck times are sporadic but between 7-8 am. Will try to identify truck as US Mail or not.

o Boat Ramp Improvements - Parking stops/pins ordered and delivered. Mr. Reno and Chris Ritch worked on layout of parking/launch zone. Met with Bob Rauch - went over ramp issues - asked to provide plan for improvements. Asked to keep costs to a minimum. He should have some info from previous work on boardwalk/kayak project. Waiting to hear back. Mr. Reno stated their Adopt-a-Stop plan has received 5

donations of $100 each toward improvements. Commissioner Hardee also will donate $100. Ms. Moore and Mr. Horney worked on regulations parking sign for landing - Ms. Ryan reviewed and edited/approved. Sign not ordered yet. Ms. Ryan stated current Town Code addresses parking municipal infractions but does not give authority to tow vehicles. Ordinance has been drafted to address parking/towing regulations.

Commissioner Hardee suggested looking for tow company to contract services for town. Maybe place sign now giving notice of future regulations being put in place - will be enforced. Flyers on vehicles? Check into feasibility of towing truck/trailers with tow companies. President Willis motion to introduce ORDINANCE 2O.O4 - AN OR.DINANCE OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSTOWN TO AMEND SECTION 3.7 OF THE QUEENSTOWN

CODE TO PR.OHIBIT THE PARKING OF VEHICLES AND TRAILERS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY WHERE A SIGN IS POSTED PROHIBITING PARKING BY THE COMMISSIONERS OF QUEENSTOWN Commissioner Schuster second. VOTE:3 aye - 0 naY.

NEW BUSINESS:

o Commissioner Schuster announced this meeting will be his last as commissioner as he and his wife will be moving to Seattle to be closer to family. Mr. Schuster expressed his enioyment of his time in Queenstown, his role as commissioner and what he has accomplished here. Mr. Schuster encouraged the town to move ahead with proiects that have been started and stated the importance that the town continue to grow and

move forward in a way that reflects the ideals of Queenstown and he wishes that it be preserved as the special place that it is. He expressed his thanks for allowing him to serve the town and that he will miss eueenstown very much. President Willis and Commissioner Hardee both thanked Mr. Schuster for his service to the town, has been a pleasure to work with him. He has been a great steward for the town and a

great friend. He will truly be missed by all.

o Following Commissioner Schuster's announcement, President Willis announced that anyone interested in being considered by the remaining Commissioners to fill the remainder of Mr. Schuster's term should submit a letter of interest to the Town by Septembet LL,aOZO.

ATTORNEY UPDATES: LYndseY RYan o No further updates.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

o Paul Cain - Suggestion of putting boat slip waiting list info on the town website. Also question of who owns parking lot in front of Qrueenstown Bank - is it not bank owned? President WiUis informed the lots in front of the bank and pizzerialpost office are paft of Main St. and are owned by the State Highway Administration There being no further business at this time, Pres. Willis motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:33pm.

Motion second by Commissioner Schuster. VOTE: 3-aye, 0-nay.

Respectfully zubmitted, a,- Aaron Horney Town Clerk-Treasurer